Friday, March 31, 2017

If President Donald Trump signs the bill congress just passed, Internet service providers (ISPs) like AT&T or Comcast would be able to collect your search history or location data and sell it to the highest bidder.

Students at the University of Illinois Springfield are working on an app to protect yourself, and there are steps you can take to be safe.

Students and faculty at UIS say the thought of service providers selling your data is scary.

"Private companies can sell your data already, but the fact that ISPs have direct access to your data because you go through them when you use the internet, and now they can sell your data," Brian Rogers said. "That is worrisome for me."

He's worried criminals will buy data and use it to blackmail people working in high security government jobs.

"We know you do this," Loui said. "We know your sexual preference. We know your medical history. We know some of your browsing habits. Your employer would not like that. Maybe you're not embarrassed, but your employer would be. And all we ask is what time they lock the doors at night."

The University of Illinois Springfield men's soccer program is hosting an alumni game at noon April 29 at Kiwanis Field.

The game is open to all men's soccer alumni. To participate, contact assistant coach Nate Gaudreault to register at ngaud2@uis.edu.

A senior soccer banquet will take place at Piper Glen Golf Club after the game from 3-6 p.m. Tickets cost $30 and include a meal. A cocktail hour is from 3-4 p.m. A silent auction will be held. To register, log on to www.uisprairiestars.com.

The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on March 31, 2017.

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Wednesday, more than 200 students from the University of Illinois system's three universities met with legislators during U of I Day at the state capitol.

Students had the chance to meet with their elected representatives to encourage funding support for the U of I schools and pose for a picture.

University of Illinois President Timothy Killeen said this is a great opportunity to put a face on their key role in moving Illinois forward.

"We're talking to our legislators and we're basically asking them to please come together, put aside the games, put aside the proxy war about education and come together and make decisions that their constituents would benefit from," said Marvin Slaughter with the Student Advocacy Coalition.

Slaughter said he was at the statehouse on Wednesday to make sure good professors, research opportunities, internships, and more don't leave Illinois.

It’s been 18 months since a faculty union formed at the University of Illinois Springfield, and there’s still no agreement in place.

So a small group of faculty members staged a work-in outside Chancellor Susan Koch’s office on Tuesday.

“We keep asking the chancellor — just like we’ve been asking her today — why are you not talking to us? Why will you not meet with leadership at the union to talk about the slow pace of bargaining?” says Kristi Barnwell, vice president of UIS United Faculty. “We’ll just keep putting the pressure on until we get this contract. We want something by the end of this semester."

For its part, a UIS spokesman says it’s their practice to negotiate at the bargaining table not in the media.

Full Statement from Derek Schnapp, UIS Spokesperson:
“The university administration is anxious to get a contract agreement just as faculty members are. Any time you craft a first contract with a newly formed union, negotiations take considerable time. It is the university’s practice to negotiate with all unions at the bargaining table rather than through the media, as we believe this is most conducive to constructive, good faith collective bargaining.”

A Petersburg man injured Sunday night after falling a total of 25 feet in an area beneath the stage at the University of Illinois Springfield's Sangamon Auditorium has died.

Audience member John Kremitzki, 51, was pronounced dead at 12:18 p.m. Monday at Memorial Medical Center, the Sangamon County coroner's office announced Tuesday.
An autopsy conducted Tuesday indicated that Kremitzki died from "blunt force" injuries related to the fall, Coroner Cinda Edwards said.
Foul play isn't suspected.
"I think it was a pure accident," Edwards said.

During an intermission of a performance of Brit Floyd, a Pink Floyd tribute show, Kremitzki, who had been sitting in the pit area with other audience members in front of the stage, fell to his knees, UIS spokesman Derek Schnapp said.

According to witnesses, Kremitzki tried to stand up and stumbled forward toward the stage's front, then "rolled through an opening in front of the stage," Schnapp said.
A male audience member who was sitting near Kremitzki tried to help and went through the opening after him, Schnapp said.

The State Journal-Register confirmed that the name of the man trying to help was Greg Hoffman, a Springfield resident.
"The two dropped approximately five feet, onto a ledge area beneath the stage," Schnapp said. "A third audience member followed them onto the ledge area to assist."

Kremitzki, who "appeared to be in distress," rolled off the ledge and, with the first audience member who followed him, fell about 20 feet "into a deeper space beneath the stage," Schnapp said.
Edwards said Kremitzki had "some underlying medical issues" that she didn't describe. But she said the autopsy showed that Kremitzki apparently wasn't having a heart attack or stroke at the time of the incident.
The third audience member remained on the ledge and called for help, Schnapp said.

Kremitzki and the audience member who fell with him were transported by ambulance to the hospital, Schnapp said.

The UIS Police Department is handling the investigation, Schnapp said.
"The entire Sangamon Auditorium family was saddened by the tragic accident on Sunday night," Sangamon Auditorium director Bob Vaughn said in a statement Tuesday.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of John Kremitzki," Vaughn said. "We also extend profound gratitude to the first responders and those in the audience who did all they could to help Mr. Kremitzki. Our staff is cooperating fully with medical and law enforcement professionals to determine what happened and to ensure a positive experience for all of our guests."

This story was published in The State-Journal Register on March 28, 2017.

Dozens of students from Illinois State University and the University of Illinois Springfield made sure they're voices were heard throughout the capitol Tuesday.

Not only to voice their concerns with P.E. requirements in schools but also to support a tax on high-sugar drinks.

Students from the health education field met individually with state senators and representatives to make sure their voice was heard.

"All of us advocate for the health, especially of young students, elementary school, middle school, high school, because that's where the habits that people have later in life truly form,” said Alex Simko, a junior at ISU.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Dennis Papini, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at South Dakota State University since 2012, has accepted the position of vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost at the University of Illinois at Springfield.

UIS made the announcement Friday.
“I want to thank Dean Papini for his leadership and vision during his time at South Dakota State University,” said Dennis Hedge, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “He has led an effort to revitalize liberal arts education at our university in a way that allows students in his college and throughout the entire university opportunities to grow and fulfill their academic potential. We are thankful for his many accomplishments at SDSU and wish him well in his new endeavor.”

Papini came to SDSU from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where he chaired the Department of Psychology in the school’s College of Behavioral and Health Sciences. He has also served on the faculty at Western Illinois University, University of Arkansas-Fayetteville and Southeast Missouri University.

Four years ago, the University of Illinois Springfield Center for State Policy & Leadership, the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, The Citizen's Club of Springfield and United Way announced we were conducting the first-ever Sangamon County Citizen Survey.

The initial survey was designed to focus on nine areas affecting quality of life, with subsequent surveys to focus on each of these areas.
The survey is in an effort to help us better understand the issues affecting Sangamon County residents and provides a wealth of information concerning education, environment, social well-being, public safety, economy, infrastructure, culture and recreation plus government and civic participation.

Feedback and participation in these local surveys provide organizations with data and information needed to identify and address our community's greatest challenges. The survey also provided a benchmark from which we can measure changes within these areas and adjust strategies accordingly.

In a few weeks, the UIS Center for State Policy & Leadership will begin conducting the 2017 Sangamon County Citizen Survey. This year's survey will have a greater focus on economic and infrastructure issues, including employment, the local business environment, taxes, transportation and utilities.

This year's survey will be conducted by mail to allow participants more time to consider responses and complete at their convenience.

Results of the 2017 Sangamon County Community Survey will be available in late-July with a formal presentation of results at a Citizen's Club of Springfield meeting on July 28.

Friday, March 24, 2017

Nathan Gaudreault has joined the University of Illinois Springfield men's soccer program as an assistant coach.

He formerly coached with St. Louis Scott Gallagher.

He began his coaching career as an assistant at his alma mater, Truman State University.

He was a four-year starter for the Bulldogs and graduated in 2006.

Gaudreault has worked with the Wyoming Soccer Association as a technical adviser and Olympic Development Program coordinator. He is currently working toward a master's degree in public administration at the University of Colorado-Denver.

Thursday, March 23, 2017

The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery is partnering with the Springfield Art Association and Enos Park Residency for Visual Artists to offer a funded residency and art exhibition for the summer of 2017.

The residency will last from four to eight weeks and is open to artists working in all media and at all stages of their career.

The Enos Park Residency for Visual Artists will provide studio facilities as well as living quarters and there will be a $1,000 stipend for expenses.

The residency will culminate with an exhibition at the UIS Visual Arts Gallery, opening June 30 and running through July 28.

“The idea is that the program will draw artists to Springfield, and ideally, over time, some of them will stay,” said Allison Lacher, manager of the UIS Visual Arts Gallery.

Applications for the residency and art exhibition are due by April 7 and need to include a detailed proposal, dates, artist statement, work samples, image list, resume and references. Artists from across the country are encouraged to apply.

The University of Illinois Springfield Illinois Innocence Project is devoted to proving innocence of the falsely accused.
Now, the organization is holding a viewing party for one of the largest wrongly imprisoned scandals in history.

On April 12, the award-winning documentary "The Central Park Five" will play at the Hoogland Center for the Arts.
The film is about five teens from Harlem who were wrongly convicted in 1989 of raping a 28-year-old woman in New York City's Central Park.

Intermission will include a question and answer session with local attorneys.

Monday, March 20, 2017

Hailey Hawkins spent as much time around bleach as she did on a beach the past week while in Florida.

But the University of Illinois Springfield junior has no complaints.

"It was definitely a very different spring break," Hawkins said Sunday. "But I had a lot of fun."
Hawkins was among 25 UIS students who traveled to Florida last week as part of the school's alternative spring break program.

The students helped with outdoor eco-restoration projects along the Florida panhandle Gulf Coast.

Past trips include building homes for Habitat for Humanity following Hurricane Katrina, cleaning up damage from Hurricane Ike in Texas and working with the homeless at soup kitchens in Washington, D.C., and New York City.

This year, the students assisted with shoreline restoration, native plant propagation, sea grass restoration, wildlife habitat improvement, dune restoration, storm water treatment, public land restoration and invasive species removal.

Hawkins said her favorite part of this year's trip was helping with an oyster-restoration project.

"It was cool because it was something that we couldn't possibly do in Illinois," she said.

The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on March 20, 2017.

University of Illinois Springfield pitcher Adam Gregory threw five innings of no-hit ball and struck out five Sunday as the Prairie Stars (10-8) earned a 9-0 win over visiting Harris Stowe.

Gregory (4-1) and Brayden Jensen and R.D. Lutze combined to hold Stowe to just one hit over nine innings. The Stars scored three runs in the bottom of the second inning and five more in the fourth to blow the contest open.

Drew Harper smacked a home run for UIS, his first of the season. Hje went 2-for-3 Sunday with four runs driven in.

Friday, March 17, 2017

Lawmakers rallied around UI President Tim Killeen Thursday to show support for keeping more students in-state for college.

Nearly half of Illinois' high school students pack their bags to head out of state.
The university is on its way to getting help keeping them here.

The UI wants to provide $170 million in financial aid funding to students seeking higher education. They hope this will help them stay competitive with out-of-state universities.

Like never before, high school students are leaving Illinois for higher education.
"This is the first time in our state's history where we have guidance counselors encouraging students to go out of state."

In 2015, 45% of high school students went out-of-state for college; a drastic jump from the 29% which left in 2009.
"It's kind of sad knowing that we got a great university here and so many people are opting to leave just because they're unsure of the condition the state's going to be in when they graduate."

The state's budget crisis is why lawmakers and UI leaders ant more funding to keep students from fleeing.
"We want to look at improving a world class education for as many qualified and talented Illinois' native students as we can."
Killeen was at the Capitol Thursday trying to get support for his $170 million funding plan.

Senator Scott Bennett (D) says the state's support is key.
"The best resources our state has is our people and, if the whole generation, or a lot of the generations of the best minds go out-of-state, they may never come back."
The new funds would be accessible through scholarships and grants and would be separate from MAP Grant funds.

Glenbard West High School's Izabel Pina and St. Louis area players Kayla Meyer and Amanda Meyer have signed to play for the University of Illinois Springfield women's soccer team.

Pina, a midfielder, appeared on the all-West Suburban Conference team. She also played for Chicago Magic and Team Chicago.

Sisters Kayla Meyer and Amanda Meyer play for Pattonville High School is suburban St. Louis. Both are four-year varsity players. Amanda plays midfield and forward. Kayla is a defender and became a starter as a sophomore. She's a two-time all-conference second team pick. Amanda received all-conference honorable mention honors as a sophomore. She had eight goals and six assists as a sophomore.

This article appeared in The State Journal Register on March 16, 2017.

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Freshman Lakyn Wagoner had a game-winning, two-run RBI in the seventh inning of the University of Illinois Springfield's 5-4 win over Millersville Wednesday morning.

UIS trailed 4-1 after three innings. Senior BriAnna Edgar scored on a wild pitch in the fourth inning that made it 4-2. Sophomore Madi Torry bunted in a run in the fifth as UIS pulled within 4-3.
Wagoner hit the game-winning single to right field with two outs, scoring Edgar and freshman Erin Stroup.

Junior Rachel Goff was the winning pitcher.

In an afternoon contest, UIS scored six runs in the fourth inning and beat Hillsdale 7-3.
Sophomore Alexa Brown's two-run single in the fourth put the Prairie Stars ahead 3-1. Torry then reached on an error and junior Katie Wooldridge scored. Stroup followed with a three-run home run and the Stars were up 7-1.

The University of Illinois says a proposal will be introduced in the state Legislature that would provide at least $170 million in financial aid.

University of Illinois President Tim Killeen announced the Invest in Illinois, or Triple I, proposal on Wednesday. He says it would provide the money over five years with the goal of keeping Illinois high school graduates in state for college and stem a growing loss of students to out-of-state schools.

The university says the measure will be introduced as an amendment to a measure already pending in Springfield that involves university funding.
The university says that in 2015, 45 percent of high school students who graduated in Illinois and were bound for college went to schools out of state.

An Illinois lawmaker is sponsoring legislation that would change the residency requirements for students at the University of Illinois hoping to become student trustees.

The proposal comes after a student who was not registered to vote in Illinois was disqualified from running for the position.

Majority Caucus Whip Iris Y. Martinez (D-Chicago) says this should not limit students wanting to participate in their university community.
“If a student is enrolled in the university and wants to run for student trustee, there should not be barriers preventing them from doing so. We need to make sure all college students have opportunities to grow and participate in leadership opportunities while they’re on campus,” Martinez says.

The student who inspired this legislation was unable to run for the student trustee position, despite the fact that he was enrolled in the university and an Illinois resident.

The University of Illinois Trustee Act requires students to be residents of Illinois in order to be selected as a student trustee.
Residency is currently demonstrated by three factors:
Evidence of the student’s residence in Illinois for at least the previous six months, A valid Illinois driver’s license or Illinois identification card, Being registered to vote in Illinois.

Under Martinez’s proposal, Senate Bill 598, a student would have to provide proof of residence for the past six months and either a voter registration or driver’s license/identification to demonstrate Illinois residency.

The University of Illinois is a proponent of the initiative. Martinez passed similar legislation last year, but it was vetoed by Governor Bruce Rauner.

Senate Bill 598 was passed by the Illinois Senate’s Higher Education Committee yesterday and will now have to go before the full Illinois Senate for consideration.

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Ali Haesele struck out seven and allowed three hits over seven innings and the University of Illinois Springfield beat Ohio Dominican 6-1 Monday.

Lakyn Wagoner drove in three runs with a triple in the fifth inning. She was 2-for-3.

Rachel Goff threw a complete game one-hitter in the Prairie Stars' 2-0 victory against Ferris State in UIS' second game.
Goff struck out two and walked one in seven innings. She retired the final 14 batters, not allowing a runner after an error with one out in the third inning.
Goff hit a RBI double in the sixth and UIS took a 1-0 lead.

Alexa Brown's RBI single in the inning made it 2-0.
Wagoner hit 2-for-3 with a triple. Wagoner, Goff and BriAnna Edgar all hit doubles for the Stars.

This article appeared in The State Journal-Register on March 13, 2017.

Monday, March 13, 2017

The following is an excerpt from a column by University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Susan Koch. This column appeared in The State Journal-Register on March 12, 2017.

In 1948, the preamble of the new World Health Organization's constitution redefined "health" as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease."
That unprecedented definition, conveying the more positive aspects of health, sparked the worldwide "wellness movement." Since then, wellness has become an important part of both community and university life across the U.S. The heart of campus wellness at the University of Illinois Springfield is the TRAC (The Recreation and Athletic Center), a 72,000 square-foot facility that opened in 2007 — thanks in part to a generous gift from the Hoogland Family Foundation of Springfield's own Charles and Kathleen Hoogland. A state-of-the-art wellness and recreation facility, TRAC houses multiple indoor sport and fitness venues, including basketball and volleyball courts, an elevated running track, cardio and weight training areas and a multipurpose exercise room. Led by director of Campus Recreation James Koeppe, TRAC staff provide a variety of wellness programs for students, faculty and staff, including group fitness classes (like strength and cardio training, Pilates, yoga, martial arts and dance), intramural sports programs and even personal training services. "TRAC is more than just a place to work out," says James. "It's a lively gathering place on campus. There's a real sense of belonging and community here; at the same time, the programs we offer encourage participants to develop healthy habits of exercise and good nutrition — habits that improve all aspects of their lives." TRAC is also home to UIS's Division II Prairie Stars athletics, and a valuable addition to the program this year is Chris Lowe, the new Strength and Conditioning coach. Thanks to a partnership with Springfield Clinic, Chris works with the 260 Prairie Stars student-athletes on all 15 athletic teams.
"Though each team has their own strength and conditioning plan, I take an individualized approach," says Chris. "Teams with professional strength and conditioning programs are more competitive, and in addition to strength and conditioning workouts, I educate students about the importance of sleep, good nutrition and adequate hydration."

Ali Haesele turned in a complete game three-hitter with eight strikeouts and hit 2-for-2 in the University of Illinois Springfield's 8-0 win against Cedarville Friday.

Haesele retired 11 of the first 12 batters, allowing just one walk through 3 2/3 innings.

She retired 10 of the last 11 batters.
Her RBI single in the fifth inning put the Prairie Stars ahead 6-0.

UIS' Erin Stroup doubled twice and drove in two runs. Lakyn Wagoner added two hits, two RBIs and a stolen base.

In the second game, Northwood edged UIS 5-4.

The Stars rallied from a 5-0 deficit. Morgan Edwards hit a RBI single in the sixth inning to get UIS within a run.
Down a run going into the top of the seventh, Haley Inman led off with a single and advanced to second on Alexa McClaughry's sacrifice bunt. The Stars' rally fell short when the inning ended with a ground out and a strikeout.
Madi Torry finished 2-for-4 for UIS.

This article appeared in The State Journal-Register on March 10, 2017.

Some University of Illinois Springfield students will be spending time giving back during spring break.
24 students are set to travel to the Florida panhandle gulf coast to volunteer with environmental restoration projects.

The annual trip is organized by the student-led Alternative Spring Break organization.

The organization's president says the trip offers more than just the chance to volunteer.

"It's just a different experience for college students to have on spring break and good to help others and it's a just a fun way," President of Alternative Spring Break, Haley Hawkins said. "It's a different group of people on campus and it's really diverse. We just all come together and spend spring break helping others and the environment in a different community."

Alternative Spring Break started back in 2009. Past trips included rebuilding homes in states hit by hurricanes and working in soup kitchens in Washington D.C and New York.

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Just this week President Trump signed a new executive order banning immigration from six Muslim-majority countries.

Faculty at UIS are addressing students' concerns about the executive order.

The university held a panel discussion Tuesday night to help clear up any misunderstandings.

Students packed inside the auditorium to learn the facts about immigration and how they could be affected by the travel ban or deportation at University of Illinois Springfield.

The student body is a melting pot of people from around the globe.
"17% of our population are international students and we have students who are first generation from Latin American countries," said Sophia Gehlhausen Anderson, coordinator of programs and outreach at UIS.

Students like Crystal Terrazes whose family immigrated to Chicago from Mexico.
Terrazes attended the panel discussion on immigration at UIS hoping to learn more about the hot-button issue.

"People just have all these stereotypes about undocumented immigrants who are coming into this country and they don't know really why they're doing it. Or what the actually numbers or statistics are," said Terrazes.

"Many students are very worried about the situation. They don't know what the future is going to be or what the affects of this new policies.... The American policies are going to be," said Adriana Cocker, associate of political science at UIS.

Terrazes tells us there are many international students who live in her dorm and she hears their concerns first-hand.
"They're definitely worried about everything that's happening. I've had a lot of them come up to me and ask what's going to happen with their visas...Are they going to be able to go back home? Are their families going to be able to come here for graduation?"

In addition to the large international student population at UIS, we're told there are a number of professors who are in the U.S. on visas.
An estimated 15 students at the campus are undocumented.

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Delayed state funding for higher education continues to plague local
colleges and universities, forcing many again this spring to replace
promised Illinois Monetary Award Program grant funds with institutional
money.

The University of Illinois Springfield will continue to cover the
unfunded MAP grants as it and the other U of I campuses have done in the
past. That will total $2.4 million for 742 students this academic year.

"It's
a tough time for students to worry and stress, so when it's time to
register for classes, we told students to go ahead and register because
we will cover that MAP grant," said UIS spokesman Derek Schnapp. "We've
had to dip into reserves, we've done a lot of cost-cutting everywhere we
can, and that's how we are continuing to move on.

"It would help
the anxiety of many students and families if a state budget could come
forward and higher education is fully funded. It would take a lot of
pressure off of a lot of families in Illinois."

The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on March 6, 2017.

On Tuesday, March 7, the University of Illinois at Springfield will present a panel discussion designed to clear up myths associated with immigration and provide a clearer understanding of the hotly-contested subject.

Panelists Adriana Crocker, UIS Associate Professor of Political Science; Anette Sikka, UIS Assistant Professor in the Legal Studies Department; and Yona Stamatis, UIS Assistant Professor of Ethnomusicology will discuss the history of United States immigration, the United States’ current immigration policy, the effects of immigrant populations on American culture, and how border patrol efforts fail to deter immigrants from coming to work in America.

The season ended February 23 for former Bloomfield standout Brandon Van Sant and the University of Illinois Springfield Prairie Stars, an NCAA Division II school. They defeated McKendree University 83-75 to finish the season 9-18, 4-14 in Great Lakes Valley Conference play.

In seven minutes of action against McKendree, Van Sant missed both of his shots, but stole the ball once.
He played 19 games for the Prairie Stars, starting three.

Van Sant averaged 15.5 minutes of action per game.
Van Sant shot 33-71 from the field, including 8-17 from three-point range, and 19-23 from the line to score 93 points.

The former Cardinal also grabbed 68 rebounds, dished out six assists, swiped the ball seven times, and blocked five shots.

This article appeared in the Greene County Daily World on March 2, 2017.

“34,000 Pillows” at UIS are helping to cast a spotlight on immigration reform.

The new exhibit, featuring their latest project, "34,000 Pillows", opened at the University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery Thursday.

It's titled, Safe Harbor, Work By Diaz Lewis, and was developed in response to the congressional mandate enforcing immigration and customs enforcement to detain at least 34,000 immigrants every day in over 250 private prisons and county jails across the country.

"Safe harbor; A harbor is a place where a ship can come into and be safe during a storm, and that's what we're hoping for the immigrant community as well," artist Cara Megan Lewis said.

The exhibit will run through Thursday, April 13.
Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Thursday, March 2, 2017

University of Illinois Springfield junior Ethan Howard has been named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Pitcher of the Week.

Howard, a transfer from Kirkwood Community College, earned his first career win last Saturday by throwing a complete game in a 9-0 win against Oakland City. He struck out seven, allowed three hits and walked one in seven innings.

The Prophetstown native retired eight of the first nine and 14 of the last 15 batters he faced. He allowed only one runner to reach second base. He has not given up an earned run in two appearances and nine innings.

Howard is the first UIS pitcher to receive the award since Barry Arnett earned the honor is March 2014.

University of Illinois Springfield players Syerra Cunningham and Destiny Ramsey were named Wednesday to the Great Lakes Valley Conference third team.

Cunningham, a senior center from Beach Park, led the GLVC in rebounds and holds the UIS career record with 744. She averaged 11.7 points per game and 10.8 rebounds per game. She set three single-season rebounding program records, including 282 rebounds as a senior. She is the only GLVC player in the lead who averaged a double-double. She ranked fifth in the GLVC with 34 blocks.

Ramsey, a junior forward and Illinois Central College transfer, averaged a team-high 12.1 points per game and was first with 44 steals. She was second with 5.7 rebounds per game and 32 blocks. She averaged 1.8 assists per game. Ramsey was one of the GLVC players to rank in the top 10 in steals (1.7) and blocks (1.2).
Ramsey also was nominated for the James R. Spalding Sportsmanship Award.

The exhibit, featuring their latest project, "34,000 Pillows", will open with a reception on Thursday, March 2 and run through Thursday, April 13.

In conjunction with their exhibition reception, Diaz Lewis will present a UIS Engaged Citizen Common Experience (ECCE) lecture titled "Diaz Lewis: Artivism and Immigration Reform" on March 2 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium.

Their talk will center on "34,000 Pillows" which was developed in response to the Congressional "detention-bed mandate," a statutory quota that enforces Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain at least 34,000 immigrants every day in over 250 private prisons and county jails across the country.

To materialize the human impact of the mandate, Diaz Lewis is creating a pillow to represent every designated bed and each immigrant detained as a result of the mandate. The pillows are comprised of articles of clothing donated by undocumented immigrants, prior detainees, and their allies. In an attempt to symbolically "buy back" the 34,000 beds for one single day, 100% of the funds raised from sales of the pillows are going towards alternatives to the bed mandate, and organizations whose efforts restore human dignity such as Human Rights Watch and Interfaith Committee for Detained Immigrants.

"Safe Harbor: Work by Diaz Lewis" prompts participation from our campus community and beyond. "34,000 Pillows" is an open invitation to anyone who wants to contribute to the process by creating a pillow design, donating clothing, deconstructing clothing, or purchasing a pillow. Since the project's inception in early 2016, over 300 students and individuals have participated in the project by bringing donations of materials and participating in the creation of pillow designs. A design workstation will be located directly outside of the UIS Visual Arts Gallery throughout the exhibition run and is open to the public.

The University of Illinois Springfield's popular Friday Night Star Parties will resume this month.

Those dates include: March 17, 24 and 31.
Friday Night Star Parties are held from 8 to 10 p.m., weather permitting, at the UIS observatory on the roof of Brookens Library. Star Parties are hosted by John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy/physics.

The observatory's telescopes will be used to view a number of celestial objects including Mars, the moon, the Great Nebula in Orion and other double stars and star clusters when visible.

A typical Star Party begins with a presentation as visitors ascend the stairs to the observatory, learning about galaxies, the sun and stars along the way. On the roof observation deck, visitors are invited to view the skies through telescopes and ask questions.

The entrance to the campus observatory is outside Brookens Library on the southeast corner of the building.
Star Parties may be canceled because of cloudy weather. Questions about whether the weather is suitable for viewing should be directed to 217-206-8342 at 7 p.m. on the evening of the Star Party.

Participants may also follow the UIS Observatory on Twitter (@UISObservatory) for updates.

For more information on Star Parties, email John Martin at jmart5@uis.edu.

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

O’Fallon native Megan Swett was a staff member of The Journal, the student newspaper at the University of Illinois Springfield, which won five awards in an annual Illinois College Press Association competition.

Awards were presented at the association’s annual convention, held Feb. 17 and 18 in Chicago. Entries, which were judged by professional journalists throughout the state, from spring and fall semesters last year were recognized.